EDITORIAL

As previously stated, we are in favor of fun -- especially when the

celebration comes around only once every thousand years.

Therefore, it is understandable that some cities -- 100 statewide,

including Costa Mesa -- are taking advantage of the 1998 state

legislation that allows the sale of fireworks for New Year’s Eve.

Normally, we would not object to Costa Mesa’s decision and, in fact,

enjoy having pyrotechnics available on the Fourth of July.

But there are a couple factors this year that simply can’t be ignored.

First, there are the warnings from fire officials -- both locally and

statewide -- that this could quite possibly be the worst winter to put

fireworks on the streets, particularly if they are in the hands of

intoxicated people ringing in the New Year.

Orange County has gone without rain for several months and the fire

hazard has been increased by recent Santa Ana winds. Add to that all of

the dried-out Christmas trees that soon will be lining the curbsides of

neighborhoods, just waiting for a stray Piccolo Pete or sparkler to set

them ablaze.

Secondly, there are cities neighboring Costa Mesa -- particularly Newport

Beach -- that have made the conscious choice not to allow fireworks on

New Year’s Eve -- or any other day for that matter.

Newport Beach residents cannot buy fireworks in their own city, but there

is no way to prevent them from stopping in Costa Mesa and picking up a

supply on their way home.

Should Costa Mesa be liable if something happens as a result of fireworks

in Newport Beach?

If fire danger wasn’t a serious concern, why haven’t more cities

authorized fireworks?

Of 33 Orange County cities, only three are participating.

It seems the only reason the Costa Mesa City Council allowed fireworks

for New Year’s Eve was because of pressure from the fireworks industry,

community clubs and youth organizations community clubs, all of which

make loads of cash on the sales.

It’s too late now to do anything about New Year’s Eve.

We’ll just keep our fingers crossed and hope the city survives this once

in a 1,000 years experience.